Benson doesn't like empire handlers

SAN ANTONIO - Lawyers for Tom Benson will appeal a Texas court's decision to appoint a former mayor and attorney to oversee a trust holding his Texas assets.

Former mayor Phil Hardberger and estate planning lawyer Art Bayern have been appointed as co-receivers of the trust. The appointments come amid lawsuits in both Texas and Louisiana over control of Benson's empire.

In Texas, Benson owns auto dealerships, a bank and ranch property. In Louisiana Benson owns the Saints and Pelicans, among other ventures.

The lawsuit in Texas does not involve the sports franchises.

In January, Benson announced he changed the succession planfor the two New Orleans-based professional sports organizations, placing them under the control of his current wife Gayle. The move essentially ended chances for Benson's granddaughter, Rita Benson Leblanc, from inheriting the empire. Some family members sued over the situation, arguing Benson is incompetent to run the franchises and is being manipulated by his wife and her allies to take the reins of the professional sports franchises.

In a court filing, the suing party said Benson has a diet consisting of soda, wine and candy; does not know the name of the president and misses birthdays. **************Follow the publisher of this post on Twitter: @treyschmaltz